Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When?

Dearest Dorothy #6

by Charlene Ann Baumbich

Home is where the heart is-and this Partonville homecoming will warm the hearts of all Dearest Dorothy fans this fall

The colorful characters of Partonville, Illinois, are back once again to delight Charlene Ann Baumbich's ever-growing legion of fans. Dorothy is thrilled that her attorney son Jacob is moving back to their hometown and wonders if he might help Katie Durbin with more than legal matters. Meanwhile, Partonville's mayoral elections have just heated up. Incumbent Gladys McKern is being challenged by Sam Vitner, owner of Swappin' Sam's, whose campaign slogan is "McKern's had her turn! Time to SWAP! VITNER for Mayor!" And the contest to name Katie's new mini-mall incites competition and a mad dash of entries. Through it all, Dorothy's spirit and the Partonvillers' antics will keep readers wanting to circle the town square again and again.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2007

About the author

Author, Speaker, Humorist. Seventeen books under her belt (including the Dearest Dorothy series and the Snowglobe Connections series), Charlene is still going strong, finding writing (including grocery lists and brainstorming sessions and eCards to her grandgirlies) more enjoyable than ever. Visit her website at www.charleneannbaumbich.com for more information."

It's awesome when my fictional characters bless me. Like Evelyn in FINDING OUR WAY HOME is fond of saying, "Grace, Amen."

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed these books set in a small town in northern southern Illinois. I find them peaceful, like a visit with friends and assorted quirky characters. Nothing much happens except life with its changes, difficulties, and challenges. And everything works out at the end, which might not be realistic, but it is believable that things could turn out that way.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sorry to say good bye to the series, but have noticed a post by Baumbich that she is writing a #7. Can't wait to get back there. A most enjoyable read, like a vacation with friends. This was published in 2007, how far away can #7 be? I truly look forward to reading it, I love that these characters have grown on me!

[Ingrid Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy is a Dearest

Dorothy fixes everything for everyone, but she is not a gossip or a busy body. This is a thoroughly delightful book about a small town that becomes divided over the conversion of an empty old building into a mini mall of boutique type shops by a woman who grew up there, left and made it big, and has returned. Jake, Dorothys son, a high powered lawyer, has also moved home to a more simple life. They become involved in fighting those who want to keep the town totally back in time and close the mall. The fight would put a totally unqualified man in as mayor. Dorothy steps in and works out a plan to gather forces and the fun goes on. They include getting another one over a big time developer. Really fun romp and you'll see why Dorothy is Dearest!!!

[Bobbie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the sixth and last of the series, Dorothy's son returns to his hometown and takes over its law practice, Katie, aided by Edward (and I'm the only one who dares to call him by just his first name), is finishing up work on the "mini mall" she's re-habbing on teh town square, Gladys gets an unexpected challenger in the mayoral race, and Edward proposes to Nellie Ruth.

Start with the first (Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?) and continue on to get the full enjoyment of this charming series where the characters are, indeed, characters.

[Carol Bohmbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this fiction lite series, I won't be recommending it for many people. First, it's so heavily packed with Christian messages that even the devout among us might find it tedious. Second, the numerous misspellings and grammar errors are irritating to anyone who knows better. I suspect the author used a voice-to-text app since she got almost every homonym wrong (e.g., "peak" for "peek").

That said, Dorothy and friends and their tiny town provide a pleasant diversion.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th and last book in this series. I have read all of them and it is with a heavy heart that I close the last page on this series. The characters of this series have become like friends and neighbors to me. It is always hard to say goodbye but I have shared many enjoyable hours with them, laughed with them and cried with them and they Will live long in my memories.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my recovery book. The last in the Dearest Dorothy series. Such a fun, gentle series. Makes me want to look into moving to a small town. There is more to tell and I would gladly read about the marriages and other relationships. Sadly, despite saying she would write more there are no more books.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting!

Once again, I have been wafted off on the wings of Charlene Baumbich and her Dearest Dorothy! The characters have become my neighbors, and I'm waiting for my invite to join the Happy Hookers!

[Virma · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I expected this book tied up the loose ends but also left some new ones so as to tease the reader with the possibility of another book. I hope so, there are some lose ends Zi would like to explore and want to see if they turn out as I’d like them to finish. I can only wait. 😊

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the "final" chapter in this series. I could forsee a bit of the ending earlier in the series, but it was a heart-warming, light-hearted journey to enjoy as it played out. Coming from the midwest, it reminded me of some of my roots.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series!! Small town life is so interesting to me, and this series has lots of humor, emotion, and conflict resolution with nothing steamy at all. I loved the characters, even the irritating ones.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last published book I can find in the Dearest Dorothy series. It was a little more difficult to follow along as I believe every character in Partonville, plus a few new ones, were involved in the story. It also seemed to go on forever, and then I felt like it was an erupt ending. As much as I adored the series, I now seem ready to move on from this charming small town.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review of series on my review of book one.

[Lawanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook performed by Cynthia Darrow. More Christian than I usually enjoy, but a highly accurate, nostalgic and enjoyable picture of small town folks.

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

funny book.

[Karen S. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the folks of Partonville. I’m ready for book number 7. More than anything I loved Dorothy’s connection to God!

[Dee Dee Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Dearest Dorothy

This whole series is delightfully uplifting. Small town life blooms with life ,
love, laughter and Christ centered life lessons.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the other books in the series were funnier than this one. This book gives time and space to some characters who are new to the town.

[Ro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing end to the series. Really wanted more out it than I got. Not the ending I wanted for Katie and Jacob, or anyone else in the series either.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last of the endearing Dearest Dorothy series. I enjoyed it. Light reading. Fun characters who are relatable if you have ever lived in a small town.

[Dav · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? • by Charlene Ann Baumbich

(Dearest Dorothy, series #6)

The story is often MBS, major boring sh*t and various characters engage in overreaction nonsese. For example, a kid who owns his own car and has a job is pulled over by the cops for minor speeding. The cops let him go with a verbal warning. The kid is guilted into telling his mom since, "God knows what you did" and she grounds him for it. What? The encounter with the cops and the warning wasn't enough? This wasn't racing or GTA. If he actually did something wrong, what then, cut off a finger? Ha!

It's hard to plod through this home town, worse than Mayberry, drivel.

This is the Dearest Dorothy series, book #6 and the dear, 88 year old Dorothy's life in her little town of Partonville, Illinois. There's plenty of small town humor and nostalgia. This rendition includes a naming contest for the new mini-mall and Dorothy's 50+ year-old son Jacob, has left his law firm and is back to apply his craft as the town's attorney.

Mayor Gladys McKern has a challenger in the upcoming mayoral election. Her challenger is Sam Vitner, who comes up with a less than memorable campaign slogan. Wanting to incorporate the name of his business Swappin' Sam's into the slogan, he decides on, "McKern's Had Her Turn - Time To Swap Vitner For Mayor."

Argh!


Dearest Dorothy, series book list
Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet? - Book #1

Dearest Dorothy: Slow Down, You'Re Wearing Us Out! - Book #2

Dearest Dorothy, Help! I've Lost Myself! - Book #3

Dearest Dorothy, Who Would Have Ever Thought? - Book #4

Dearest Dorothy, Merry Everything! - Book #5

● Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? - Book #6

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending disappointed in that it was rather abrupt . . . but other than that, I loved this 6th installment in the "Dearest Dorothy" books. I visited the author's web site and although it has been 9 years since this book was published it will apparently not be the last in the series. The author is currently working on another book. I hope it will tie up some loose ends and bring the series to a more satisfying end.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I think of dearest dorothy

I LOVE the Dearest Dorothy books! It's an AMAZING book series! It's funny and it has really deep stuff in it! The characters are so funny,and they have completely different personalities! I ABSOLUTELY recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a good book to read!

[Bonnie McHenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming and tender series. I cried and laughed and was able to really put myself in Partonville as one of the residents. Some thought provoking situations that end up centering around God and Scripture. Enjoy all 6 in the series and would highly recommend them to all.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series! Not near as good as the Mitford series, but enjoyable nonetheless. Read this instead of doing homework...

[Rosalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series that takes place in a small town. The main character,"Dorothy" is 87 year old young woman who has a heart of gold. If you enjoy the Mitford books you'll like this one.

[Joyce Datz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Fast, easy and enjoyable. Loved to read this on the beach!

[Lisa]

Dearest Dorothy series / book six

[LInda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this on CD -- sweet story of a small town. Gets a bit preachy at times, but not too much. Seems to fit the people's personalities. Anyway, it helped pass the time on a long trip.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, easy read. Relaxing and comfortable. The main character is an elderly woman, which is quite unusual. She is very likable, as are just about all the characters. It feels like home.